What is the force constant and work done in stretching a Hooke's-law spring?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the force constant of a Hooke's-law spring and calculating the work done in stretching it. The original poster provides specific values for force and displacement, along with relevant equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the importance of Hooke's law in finding the force constant and question the original poster's omission of the law's definition. There are inquiries about the correct equations for calculating work and elastic potential energy.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the necessary equations and emphasized the need to establish the force constant before calculating work. Multiple interpretations of the equations are being explored, particularly regarding the correct application of Hooke's law.

Contextual Notes

There is a note about the importance of using consistent units, specifically that distances should be in meters for accurate calculations. The original poster's approach to calculating work without first determining the force constant is also under scrutiny.

jrl3253
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Homework Statement



The force required to stretch a Hooke's-law spring varies from 0 N to 70.7 N as we stretch the spring by moving one end 6.52 cm from its unstresses position. Find the force constant of the spring. answer in units of N/m.
Find the work done in the stretching the spring. Answer in units of J.
F=0-70.7 N
d= 6.52 cm

Homework Equations



W=Fd
W=-Kx

The Attempt at a Solution


W=70.7*6.52=460.964
 
Last edited:
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what is hooke's law? you haven't written that down and it would be the most relevant equation to find the force constant of the spring!

I would add that once you have found the force constant from hookes law, then you can use it to work out the work done. Due to conservation of energy, work done stretching a spring is equal to elastic (potential) energy stored in the spring.

do you know the equation for the elastic energy in a spring? that's the other relevant equation!
 
hooke's law is in the post...W=-kx
 
Last edited:
jrl3253 said:
hooke's law is in the post...F=-kx
2. Homework Equations

W=Fd
W-Kx
I don't see it there!

In your attempt at a solution, you skipped straight to finding W (Work). You cannot calculate this without first knowing k (force constant).

Don't forget that distances should be in meters for calculations if you want to get the right answer in joules.
 

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